Tommy H. WhiteOld 75 from Pulaski died today after a short battle with cancer.
In early August 2024, he was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer and a few weeks later he decided to enter hospice care. He spent his final days as peacefully as possible with Darin by his side. Tommy Hayes White was born on November 28, 1948 to Mary Lou and Dorlan “Bud” White in Rockford, Illinois.
He attended Rockford Auburn High School and worked at Amerock in Rockford until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969 and sent to Vietnam. After Tommy’s return from Vietnam, he worked in and around Rockford, Illinois until the early 90’s before moving to Tampa, FL, then Glen Burnie, MD and finally Floyd County, VA where he lived until his death after retiring from Elite Spice in Maryland in 2016. Tommy was a jack of all trades with many skills and talents.
He was smart and personable, but enjoyed his solitude. Tommy was a phenomenal artist, photographer, and gardener. His favorite activities included camping and fishing, and he was an avid reader.
Tommy leaves behind his daughters Mary White Lamphere (Dave) of Dekalb, Illinois and Jennifer White Beksel (Dan) of Rockford, Illinois, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren in Illinois, his brother Barry White of Rockford, Illinois and Darin Gillenwater of Pulaski, Virginia. Tommy also leaves behind his aunt Judy Gilgan of Rockford, Illinois and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In accordance with Tommy’s wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no funeral service. A memorial service will be held in Rockford, IL sometime in the next few months. Please feel free to post a positive memory.
To sign Tommy’s online guest book, visit www.bowerfuneralhome.com. Bower Funeral Home & Crematory is handling arrangements for the family.
